Former Great Britain rugby league player Josh Jones has disclosed his struggle with suicidal thoughts and neurological damage linked to repeated head injuries during his career. The 31-year-old, diagnosed with probable stage 2 CTE in July 2024, retired last year after 246 Super League appearances and is now part of a concussion lawsuit against the Rugby Football League.

Jones described tremors, light sensitivity, and emotional dysregulation that forced his family to relocate to Malaysia for affordable treatment. His wife Olivia noted his transformation from an engaged father to someone who isolates in dark rooms daily. The second-row forward claims inadequate concussion protocols accelerated his decline, alleging the RFL failed to protect players from long-term brain damage.

The RFL maintains player welfare is prioritized, citing a 30% concussion reduction target and support through Rugby League Cares. Jones counters that current ex-player assistance remains insufficient, with multiple teammates reporting similar symptoms. His case underscores growing concerns about contact sports' neurological risks as he faces possible early-onset dementia.

Now unemployed and selling his home to fund medical care, Jones plans to seek experimental treatments in New Zealand. 'I knew about sore knees, not brain damage,' he said, criticizing rugby authorities for abandoning injured athletes.